The heads of the judiciary and the security services were on Friday conferred with the nation’s highest honours by the President of the Republic, Dame Sandra Mason, for exceptional contributions to justice, public safety and national security.
The awards, under the Barbados National Honours and Decorations Act, were presented at State House to Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, Commissioner of Police Richard Alphonzo Boyce, and Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Brigadier Carlos Andréz Ronaldo Lovell for their contributions to justice, public safety and national security.
The chief justice is now entitled to be formally styled as “The Most Honourable” while the two security service heads carry the formal title, “The Honourable”.
Chief Justice Haynes received the nation’s highest honour, the Order of Freedom of Barbados, for his pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. He described the recognition as a source of renewed motivation to continue improving the administration of justice.
He said: “We have to ensure that once resources are limited, we must do the best we can with what we have. This honour re-emphasises and reinvigorates my commitment so that every day, all that can be done will be done.”
Police Commissioner Richard Boyce was awarded the Order of the Republic for his steadfast leadership and dedication to maintaining peace and public trust. In accepting the honour, he emphasised that it belonged to every officer of the Barbados Police Service.
“It is not a step I made on my own,” he said. “It is the broad support and commitment of those who come to work every day, go beyond expectations, and serve this country with duty, honour, and love for Barbados.”
He added that policing remains a noble calling, saying: “We will not let the image of the organisation suffer because of the mistakes of a few. When we put our arms together and lift each other up, that is how we operate.”
Brigadier Carlos Lovell, also a recipient of the Order of the Republic, was honoured for his leadership, discipline and service to the protection of the nation’s sovereignty. He dedicated the award to the men and women of the Barbados Defence Force, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice.
“This honour is not because of anything I’ve done alone,” he said. “It belongs to the brave men and women, both serving and retired, who work tirelessly to keep our shores safe and protect this beautiful country.”
Brigadier Lovell also sent a message of encouragement for the youth of Barbados, urging them to rise above their circumstances.
“Be the change that you want to be,” he said. “No matter your circumstances, it is possible to rise above them. I am living testimony that humble beginnings do not define your destiny.”
Prime Minister Mia Mottley commended the honourees for their years of service, noting that each has contributed to strengthening the country in distinct but equally vital ways.
She said their work reflects “the best of who we are as Barbadians, leaders who uphold justice, maintain peace, and protect our people.”
The Order of Barbados was established in 2021 after Barbados became a republic and replaced the previous monarchical-era order. The Order of the Republic is the most recent high national honour awarded for “distinguished national achievement and merit”.
It is part of a broader system of Barbadian national honours and decorations that include the highest award, the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the Gold Award of Achievement, and various service awards.
(LE)
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